There are the kinds of television shows you are proud to be a fan of. You like them because the dialogue is realistic and brilliantly written, the actors’ performances are Oscar-worthy and the storylines are elaborate works of art. But then, there’s another kind of TV show: The one you watch even though you know it’s, objectively speaking, trash – the guilty pleasure. The Excelsior presents four reality shows that have no artistic, social, or educational value, but that you will tune in to anyway – because they are just too much fun to watch.
VH1’s Tough Love (VH1)
Have trouble finding a boyfriend? You ain’t seen nothing yet! VH1’s “Tough Love” assembles the most hopeless cases of female dating wrecks. There’s the marriage-obsessed 24-year-old who talks about having kids after one date, the career-minded businesswoman who doesn’t make time for her love life, the crazy party girl who makes out with a different guy every night, the timid girlie who changes who she is depending on who she is dating.
These women move into a house together and get dating advice, not from a therapist, but from a matchmaker, of all people. In the end, they are supposedly ready for a long-term relationship.
Apart from the ridiculous notion that all these women’s issues can be solved in a two-month “boot camp,” forcing each woman into a stereotypical personality template is extremely simplistic. On the other hand, any girl who has ever been single knows how hard dating can be and can identify with one of the women. And if you take the host’s advice with a grain of salt, there’s actually something to learn here about how men think. He’s not bad to look at, either.
http://www.vh1.com/shows/tough_love/season_2/series.jhtml
Flavor of Love/Rock of Love/I Love New York/For the Love of Ray J./and so an and so forth (VH1)
The formula of all these shows is simple: A total Has-Been or a Never-Really-Was lives in a house with a number of people of the opposite sex with whom he or she regularly makes out. Every week, one of the potential “partners” is sent home.
There’s nothing to learn here whatsoever. This is all about looking down on people who engage in inane competitions, (cat) fights and desperate attempts to get the attention of a person most people wouldn’t look at twice. But sometimes, you just need some mindless entertainment that makes you feel better about yourself.
http://www.vh1.com/shows/flavor_of_love/season_1/series.jhtml
http://www.vh1.com/shows/rock_of_love/season_1/series.jhtml
http://www.vh1.com/shows/i_love_new_york/season_1/series.jhtml
http://www.vh1.com/shows/for_the_love_of_rayj/season_1/series.jhtml
Hogan Knows Best/Brooke Knows Best (VH1)
Almost-forgotten former stars are a recurrent theme in reality TV, as seen on “Hogan Knows Best,” in which wrestler Hulk Hogan and his family were followed around by cameras throughout their day-to-day lives. For the most part, it was all minor conflicts with neighbors, going to the gym and daddy not wanting his daughter to go on dates – pretty banal stuff. But then, actual reality interfered and made the show (whose focus had meanwhile shifted to daughter Brooke) interesting – Hulk cheated on his wife with a girl that looked a lot like his daughter, the parents got divorced, mom took a boyfriend half her age, and the son went to jail after causing a car accident that sent his best friend into a coma.
You would almost think it was scripted – but in this case, it was real life that created the drama.
http://www.vh1.com/shows/hogan_knows_best/season_1/series.jhtml
http://www.vh1.com/shows/brooke_knows_best/season_1/series.jhtml
Tool Academy (VH1)
If you’re ever really pissed at your boyfriend, just watch an episode of “Tool Academy,” and you will only be too happy to take him back. Here, the worst of the worst in male – and essentially human – behavior is showcased. If girls (and, since this season, guys) cannot take their significant other’s cheating, lying, and generally tool-ish ways anymore, they enroll them in the “academy” that supposedly makes “knights in shining armor” out of them.
This, of course, is bullshit. A few minutes of therapy and a telegenic challenge a week does not a great boyfriend make. But it’s fun to see them try.
http://www.vh1.com/shows/tool_academy/season_1/series.jhtml
Dishonorable Mention: Jersey Shore (MTV)
This trashy reality soap about a group of orange-tanned, self-described “Guidos” got lots of attention recently. But there’s too much low-class bitch-slapping, name-calling and drunken making-out going on on “Jersey Shore” for it to be called a “pleasure.” If you actually enjoy watching this show, you should just feel plain guilty.
Mittwoch, 14. April 2010
Excelsior: Movies that are Better than the Books they are Based On
How often have you seen a movie adaptation of a great read and said, “The book was so much better”? How often have you been downright disappointed by a film because you had imagined it differently, or they changed the story around, or it didn’t capture the spirit of the book? In an overwhelming majority of cases, literary adaptations don’t do the original justice. And yet, there are a handful of exceptions – The Excelsior presents four movies that are actually better than the books they are based on.
Fight Club
The story of a disillusioned insurance employee and his soap-making friend who step out of society by starting a nightly meet-up where men beat each other up to feel alive is a pretty great premise for whatever medium. But while the book is good, the 1999 film by David Fincher is a masterpiece.
Filled out with powerful visuals – from the color schemes of the wardrobe to the surreal feel of the sparsely used fantasy sequences – the story comes to life. Oscar-worthy performances by Edward Norton and Brad Pitt – who shed the pretty boy image once and for all with this – help too.
In a rare display of a voice-over that works perfectly, the film keeps the spirit of the novel while improving on some of the plot points – most notably the very ending, which is much more open in the book. Even the novel’s author Chuck Palahniuk saw the movie adaptation as an improvement on his novel.
The Graduate
“The Graduate” is the story of recent college grad Benjamin who has no idea what he wants out of life or even what he is going to do tomorrow. The decision is made for him by the somewhat pushy Mrs. Robinson who seduces him. He, of course, ends up falling in love with her daughter.
While the film inspired generations of young aimless people, the book by Charles Webb reads like a bunch of stage directions from your local community center’s latest play.
The most memorable scenes of the film – Mrs. Robinson taking off her stockings, Ben floating in the pool with his diving gear on – are purely visual in nature. It almost seems as if this narrative was supposed to be a filmic one in the first place – which is why the movie has a place in the canon of film classics and the book has, rightfully, been forgotten.
The Shining
Now this one is debatable: While Stephen King’s novel is a solid horror story, the 1980 film was dubbed one of the best horror movies ever as well as a great cinematic achievement. The tricky thing in this case is that director Stanley Kubrick made the story of a man going crazy in a haunted mountain hotel completely his own – to the point that the book and the film could be considered two distinct works of fiction.
But when we think of “The Shining” today, we think of the twins in the hallway, the blood splashing out of the elevator, Jack Nicholson axing the door and yelling “Heeeere’s Johnny!” – all things that are not in the book.
There is a reason that literal King adaptations like “Pet Sematary,” “Children of the Corn” or even the 1997 “The Shining” miniseries are largely B-movies. King is the master of somewhat over-the-top fantasy and horror scenes. Kubrick’s interpretation, on the other hand, is understated and rich in its visual symbolism. This makes it top-notch cinema, while the book remains a beach read – a hugely entertaining one, granted, but still a beach read.
American Psycho
If you like your serial killer stories with a side order of social criticism, “American Psycho” is for you. Patrick Bateman is a New York yuppie by day – and a sadistic murderer at night.
The book alternates between extremely detailed descriptions of status symbols such as dress shirts and wrist watches and just as gruelingly detailed descriptions of the rapes, tortures and murders the protagonist commits. In other words, it alternates between passages that induce extreme boredom and passages that induce projectile vomiting.
The film portrays society’s obsession in a much more focused way, and only insinuates most of the graphic violence of the novel, proofing that less is more. Plus, Christian Bale’s portrayal of the Huey Lewis-loving, prostitute-killing madman is absolutely mesmerizing.
Fight Club
The story of a disillusioned insurance employee and his soap-making friend who step out of society by starting a nightly meet-up where men beat each other up to feel alive is a pretty great premise for whatever medium. But while the book is good, the 1999 film by David Fincher is a masterpiece.
Filled out with powerful visuals – from the color schemes of the wardrobe to the surreal feel of the sparsely used fantasy sequences – the story comes to life. Oscar-worthy performances by Edward Norton and Brad Pitt – who shed the pretty boy image once and for all with this – help too.
In a rare display of a voice-over that works perfectly, the film keeps the spirit of the novel while improving on some of the plot points – most notably the very ending, which is much more open in the book. Even the novel’s author Chuck Palahniuk saw the movie adaptation as an improvement on his novel.
The Graduate
“The Graduate” is the story of recent college grad Benjamin who has no idea what he wants out of life or even what he is going to do tomorrow. The decision is made for him by the somewhat pushy Mrs. Robinson who seduces him. He, of course, ends up falling in love with her daughter.
While the film inspired generations of young aimless people, the book by Charles Webb reads like a bunch of stage directions from your local community center’s latest play.
The most memorable scenes of the film – Mrs. Robinson taking off her stockings, Ben floating in the pool with his diving gear on – are purely visual in nature. It almost seems as if this narrative was supposed to be a filmic one in the first place – which is why the movie has a place in the canon of film classics and the book has, rightfully, been forgotten.
The Shining
Now this one is debatable: While Stephen King’s novel is a solid horror story, the 1980 film was dubbed one of the best horror movies ever as well as a great cinematic achievement. The tricky thing in this case is that director Stanley Kubrick made the story of a man going crazy in a haunted mountain hotel completely his own – to the point that the book and the film could be considered two distinct works of fiction.
But when we think of “The Shining” today, we think of the twins in the hallway, the blood splashing out of the elevator, Jack Nicholson axing the door and yelling “Heeeere’s Johnny!” – all things that are not in the book.
There is a reason that literal King adaptations like “Pet Sematary,” “Children of the Corn” or even the 1997 “The Shining” miniseries are largely B-movies. King is the master of somewhat over-the-top fantasy and horror scenes. Kubrick’s interpretation, on the other hand, is understated and rich in its visual symbolism. This makes it top-notch cinema, while the book remains a beach read – a hugely entertaining one, granted, but still a beach read.
American Psycho
If you like your serial killer stories with a side order of social criticism, “American Psycho” is for you. Patrick Bateman is a New York yuppie by day – and a sadistic murderer at night.
The book alternates between extremely detailed descriptions of status symbols such as dress shirts and wrist watches and just as gruelingly detailed descriptions of the rapes, tortures and murders the protagonist commits. In other words, it alternates between passages that induce extreme boredom and passages that induce projectile vomiting.
The film portrays society’s obsession in a much more focused way, and only insinuates most of the graphic violence of the novel, proofing that less is more. Plus, Christian Bale’s portrayal of the Huey Lewis-loving, prostitute-killing madman is absolutely mesmerizing.
Excelsior: “Lost” Season Premiere Review – After the Big Bang
“A television phenomenon (…) that captivated millions,” ABC boasted in the weeks leading up to last Tuesday’s season premiere of “Lost.” And yes, it definitely was one of the most longingly awaited premiers this year, seeing as this last season of the show promises to answer any and all questions.
After all, season five ended (like almost every episode in the show’s history) with a cliffhanger of epic proportions. Disclaimer: If you’ve never seen “Lost,” you should stop reading now, visit your local Blockbuster, rent the first season and start watching.
Throughout the last five years, “Lost” has given us a wide variety of stories and narrative strategies. At first, it was simply a story about the survivors of a plane crash who are stranded on a deserted island; interspersed with the character’s back stories. The flashbacks became flash-forwards in seasons three and four. And finally, both became literal by throwing time travel into the mix. And suddenly, the survivors weren’t just stranded on a deserted island; they were stranded on a deserted island in the 1970s.
Many burning questions were left by last year’s finale. Above all: Would the castaways’ plan to detonate a bomb in the past lead to a present where they never landed on the island in the first place?
In traditional “Lost” fashion, this question wasn’t answered in the sixth season’s premiere. Or rather, it was answered with both Yes and No – literally.
The episode started out in a familiar way to all those who had seen season 1. We’re back on the plane, and all – or most – of our favorite characters are there. There are even a couple of cameos of long-dead sidekicks as a special treat for fans. But of course, it’s 2004, and they are strangers. And this time, the infamous flight 815 safely lands at LAX.
Simultaneously, though, it doesn’t: Cut to the island, just post-explosion. In this version of reality, the survivors are still where they were; and the future (or rather, the present) hasn’t changed.
Ever since the two-hour season premiere aired, the fan world is in full speculation mode. The favorite, and, knowing “Lost,” a very plausible theory is the following: The two timelines will converge in the future, and everyone will end up on the island eventually anyway, making the alleged alternate universes one. This makes sense given that the show has made a point of stating that every single person ended up on the island for a reason.
In the meantime, even physicists weigh in on Lost’s interpretation of alternate universes, deeming it consistent with physical theories. (See popularmechanics.com)
What it all really means, of course, only time and the remaining ten episodes of Lost’s last season will tell. Until then, viewers will need a lot of patience – but that’s something “Lost” fans are more than accustomed to by now.
After all, season five ended (like almost every episode in the show’s history) with a cliffhanger of epic proportions. Disclaimer: If you’ve never seen “Lost,” you should stop reading now, visit your local Blockbuster, rent the first season and start watching.
Throughout the last five years, “Lost” has given us a wide variety of stories and narrative strategies. At first, it was simply a story about the survivors of a plane crash who are stranded on a deserted island; interspersed with the character’s back stories. The flashbacks became flash-forwards in seasons three and four. And finally, both became literal by throwing time travel into the mix. And suddenly, the survivors weren’t just stranded on a deserted island; they were stranded on a deserted island in the 1970s.
Many burning questions were left by last year’s finale. Above all: Would the castaways’ plan to detonate a bomb in the past lead to a present where they never landed on the island in the first place?
In traditional “Lost” fashion, this question wasn’t answered in the sixth season’s premiere. Or rather, it was answered with both Yes and No – literally.
The episode started out in a familiar way to all those who had seen season 1. We’re back on the plane, and all – or most – of our favorite characters are there. There are even a couple of cameos of long-dead sidekicks as a special treat for fans. But of course, it’s 2004, and they are strangers. And this time, the infamous flight 815 safely lands at LAX.
Simultaneously, though, it doesn’t: Cut to the island, just post-explosion. In this version of reality, the survivors are still where they were; and the future (or rather, the present) hasn’t changed.
Ever since the two-hour season premiere aired, the fan world is in full speculation mode. The favorite, and, knowing “Lost,” a very plausible theory is the following: The two timelines will converge in the future, and everyone will end up on the island eventually anyway, making the alleged alternate universes one. This makes sense given that the show has made a point of stating that every single person ended up on the island for a reason.
In the meantime, even physicists weigh in on Lost’s interpretation of alternate universes, deeming it consistent with physical theories. (See popularmechanics.com)
What it all really means, of course, only time and the remaining ten episodes of Lost’s last season will tell. Until then, viewers will need a lot of patience – but that’s something “Lost” fans are more than accustomed to by now.
Excelsior: Three Fall Shows to Watch...and One to Skip
Original Article
Fall season is upon us, and the words "series premiere" have been all over television for the last few weeks. But which ones are worth getting obsessed with, and which ones are likely to get the boot mid-season and enter obscurity? The Excelsior has picked the three shows most worthy of procrastinating for - and one whose timeslot you can actually use to study.
Three shows to watch...
"FlashForward"
(ABC, Thursdays at 8 pm):
On a day in September 2009, every single person on the planet blacks out for two minutes. But they don't just lose consciousness - they get a glimpse of their lives six months in the future. A race begins: Some want to prevent what they saw. Others find new hope in their visions. And then there are the ones who have to find the meaning of theirs while D-Day, April 29, 2010, is fast approaching.
The strongest elements of the show are its intriguing premise and its stars. Joseph Fiennes is Mark Benford, an FBI agent who saw himself investigating the blackout in his vision and now has to follow the clues from his future. At the same time he struggles with his wife's (Sonya Walger of "LOST") flash-forward that showed her being with another man. Meanwhile, Benford's partner Demetri (John Cho in a very strong performance) has to come to terms with the fact that he didn't see anything during the blackout.
The entire show is based on the slow revelation of the big secret behind the flash-forward. This is bound to frustrate impatient viewers who are used to one self-contained story per episode. But the show definitely attracts the loyal LOST viewership that is used to waiting for answers. It remains to be seen if "FlashForward" turns out to be cast in the same cult series mold. (Get caught up with "FlashForward" at http://abc.go.com/shows/flash-forward)
"White Collar"
(USA, Fridays at 10 pm):
Taking over for hiatus-ed "Psych," "White Collar" has a tough spot to fill. Matt Bomer stars as Neal Caffrey, a brilliant con man who receives a get-out-of-jail-free card. Of course, there's a catch: He has to switch sides and work with the FBI to catch other white-collar criminals. Coincidentally, he has to partner up with Peter Burke (Tim DeKay), the exact same agent that caught him after years of a "Catch me if you can"-style hunt. Caffrey's almost magical charms and seemingly inexhaustible knowledge of fellow criminals, of course, is what gets the case solved at the end of the day.
"White Collar" is not so much a crime-solving drama as a personality-driven comedy. While the storylines are elaborate (albeit dramatically enhanced) and engaging, it is the chemistry between the two lead characters that makes the show. The insanely charming con man and the grudging detective make the ultimate team as seen in countless "buddy movies." Their exchanges are witty and sometimes even laugh-out-loud funny. "White Collar" is a breath of fresh air in a world where TV is populated by countless "CSI" and "Law and Order" clones. (Lust after Matt Bomer at http://www.usanetwork.com/series/whitecollar)
"The Middle"
(ABC, Wednesdays at 8:30 pm):
ABC's Comedy Wednesday has brought us four new sitcoms this fall, some better, some worse. While the critics (rightfully) drool over the clever mockumentary "Modern Family," Patricia Heaton's ("Everybody Loves Raymond") new vehicle "The Middle" goes slightly underappreciated. Heaton plays Frankie, mother of three, working as an unsuccessful car saleswoman in Bumblefuck, USA. Her children - rebellious, mindless typical teenager Axl; enthusiastic but talented-at-at-nothing-at-all Sue; and little Brick, who is socially challenged; her husband, who has a tendency to be brutally honest even to his own children; and her less-than-glamorous job constantly keep her on the go.
It's a lot like "Malcolm in the Middle" - but a less over-the-top, and a much more docile, good-natured version. The show displays real sympathy for its characters, and at the end of the day, there's a redeeming quality about everyone. (Relax and laugh at http://abc.go.com/shows/the-middle)
…and one to skip:
"Cougar Town"
(ABC, Wednesdays at 9:30 pm):
Here's the thing about expectations: When they are too high, you're bound to be disappointed. Here's the thing about "Cougar Town": Even if it wasn't Courtney Cox's long-awaited return to the small screen; even if it wasn't a concept that was extremely promising (newly single middle-aged woman starts dating hot young guys) - the show would still be a disappointment. The short explanation: It just isn't funny. The long one: The makers should have watched a little more "Sex and the City" and a little less "Ally McBeal" and "Dawson's Creek". (See for yourself at http://abc.go.com/shows/cougar-town)
Fall season is upon us, and the words "series premiere" have been all over television for the last few weeks. But which ones are worth getting obsessed with, and which ones are likely to get the boot mid-season and enter obscurity? The Excelsior has picked the three shows most worthy of procrastinating for - and one whose timeslot you can actually use to study.
Three shows to watch...
"FlashForward"
(ABC, Thursdays at 8 pm):
On a day in September 2009, every single person on the planet blacks out for two minutes. But they don't just lose consciousness - they get a glimpse of their lives six months in the future. A race begins: Some want to prevent what they saw. Others find new hope in their visions. And then there are the ones who have to find the meaning of theirs while D-Day, April 29, 2010, is fast approaching.
The strongest elements of the show are its intriguing premise and its stars. Joseph Fiennes is Mark Benford, an FBI agent who saw himself investigating the blackout in his vision and now has to follow the clues from his future. At the same time he struggles with his wife's (Sonya Walger of "LOST") flash-forward that showed her being with another man. Meanwhile, Benford's partner Demetri (John Cho in a very strong performance) has to come to terms with the fact that he didn't see anything during the blackout.
The entire show is based on the slow revelation of the big secret behind the flash-forward. This is bound to frustrate impatient viewers who are used to one self-contained story per episode. But the show definitely attracts the loyal LOST viewership that is used to waiting for answers. It remains to be seen if "FlashForward" turns out to be cast in the same cult series mold. (Get caught up with "FlashForward" at http://abc.go.com/shows/flash-forward)
"White Collar"
(USA, Fridays at 10 pm):
Taking over for hiatus-ed "Psych," "White Collar" has a tough spot to fill. Matt Bomer stars as Neal Caffrey, a brilliant con man who receives a get-out-of-jail-free card. Of course, there's a catch: He has to switch sides and work with the FBI to catch other white-collar criminals. Coincidentally, he has to partner up with Peter Burke (Tim DeKay), the exact same agent that caught him after years of a "Catch me if you can"-style hunt. Caffrey's almost magical charms and seemingly inexhaustible knowledge of fellow criminals, of course, is what gets the case solved at the end of the day.
"White Collar" is not so much a crime-solving drama as a personality-driven comedy. While the storylines are elaborate (albeit dramatically enhanced) and engaging, it is the chemistry between the two lead characters that makes the show. The insanely charming con man and the grudging detective make the ultimate team as seen in countless "buddy movies." Their exchanges are witty and sometimes even laugh-out-loud funny. "White Collar" is a breath of fresh air in a world where TV is populated by countless "CSI" and "Law and Order" clones. (Lust after Matt Bomer at http://www.usanetwork.com/series/whitecollar)
"The Middle"
(ABC, Wednesdays at 8:30 pm):
ABC's Comedy Wednesday has brought us four new sitcoms this fall, some better, some worse. While the critics (rightfully) drool over the clever mockumentary "Modern Family," Patricia Heaton's ("Everybody Loves Raymond") new vehicle "The Middle" goes slightly underappreciated. Heaton plays Frankie, mother of three, working as an unsuccessful car saleswoman in Bumblefuck, USA. Her children - rebellious, mindless typical teenager Axl; enthusiastic but talented-at-at-nothing-at-all Sue; and little Brick, who is socially challenged; her husband, who has a tendency to be brutally honest even to his own children; and her less-than-glamorous job constantly keep her on the go.
It's a lot like "Malcolm in the Middle" - but a less over-the-top, and a much more docile, good-natured version. The show displays real sympathy for its characters, and at the end of the day, there's a redeeming quality about everyone. (Relax and laugh at http://abc.go.com/shows/the-middle)
…and one to skip:
"Cougar Town"
(ABC, Wednesdays at 9:30 pm):
Here's the thing about expectations: When they are too high, you're bound to be disappointed. Here's the thing about "Cougar Town": Even if it wasn't Courtney Cox's long-awaited return to the small screen; even if it wasn't a concept that was extremely promising (newly single middle-aged woman starts dating hot young guys) - the show would still be a disappointment. The short explanation: It just isn't funny. The long one: The makers should have watched a little more "Sex and the City" and a little less "Ally McBeal" and "Dawson's Creek". (See for yourself at http://abc.go.com/shows/cougar-town)
Excelsior: Three TV Shows for Real Men
Original Article
Sure, guys love watching TV. But it doesn't always have to be the Sunday game. There are some pretty awesome drama and comedy series out there that might have a special appeal to bearers of the Y chromosome. Here are three of them. Bonus: one dishonorable mention and one future hope.
24 (FOX)
There has never been a more testosterone-filled, bad-ass, all around guy's show than the real-time chronicles of counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer. Each season, we follow him through 24 action-packed hours of saving the world. He is the ultimate hero - fearless, indestructible, yet willing to take unorthodox measures to save America. And no-one, not even the Geneva Convention or the US president, will stand in his way.
Jack has survived nuclear explosions, biological WMDs, being held captive in a Chinese prison for years, and even death. (Yes, he once died for five minutes. Which didn't stop him from kicking major ass for the rest of the season.) He has battled Yugoslavian kidnappers, corrupt American office holders, and cliché Middle Eastern terrorists. He's the post-9/11 American superhero. Plus, 24 still delivers on simple suspenseful action like no other show.
24's eighth season will air on FOX starting January 17, 2010. Official website: http://www.fox.com/24/
Two and a Half Men (CBS)
The hit sitcom, currently in its 7th season, stars Charlie Sheen as a middle-aged womanizer who loves his booze a little too much. He leads a carefree existence in his California beach house (paid for by his job as a jingle writer) until his wimpy brother Alan and his son move in with him after having been kicked out by Alan's ex-wife.
Two and a Half Men has proved highly successful with audiences since it premiered in 2003. Its in-your-face sexual humor paired with over-the-top yet recognizable family situations is still refreshing. One of its strongest suits is the quirky minor characters, including Charlie's and Alan's cold-hearted mother and their stalker neighbor Rose. That Charlie embodies everything men secretly want to be doesn't hurt either.
Two and a Half Men airs Mondays at 9 pm. Watch episodes at http://www.cbs.com/primetime/two_and_a_half_men/
Modern Family (ABC)
At first glance, ABC's new critically acclaimed mockumentary-style sitcom isn't an obvious pick as a guys' show. It follows the everyday lives of a family, consisting of patriarch Jay, married to a woman half his age who is also a mother; his daughter Claire, her husband and three children; and her brother Mitchell who, together with his partner, has just adopted a baby.
There's not a clear male protagonist in Modern Family; and yet, if you look a little closer, it's the men who get the most interesting storylines and have the most intriguing personalities. Jay's experiences often deal with the question of men getting old in our society; his son struggles with balancing being gay, maintaining a successful relationship and being a new father. These issues are handled in a subtle and thoughtful yet understatedly hilarious way. Which makes for great TV for the whole family - whoever that may be.
New episodes air every Wednesday at 9 pm. Go to http://abc.go.com/shows/modernfamily for more information.
Dishonorable Mention: Secret Girlfriend (Comedy Central)
This show's TV ad features a guy jumping on a club's dance floor and shouting at the women around him: "Who wants to receive a child support check from me one day? Huh?" One of the show's most recent plots was described thusly on its website: "When Phil's sister was 15, she told Sam she was too young for him, but now that she's 18, she's his for banging." Need we say more?
Secret Girlfriend airs Wednesdays at 10:30 pm. Also watch at http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/secret_girlfriend/index.jhtml, if you must.
Future Hope: Men of a Certain Age (TNT)
Ray Romano returns to television with Men of a Certain Age which he also co-created. It will also star Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher as friends who enter the eponymous "certain age" and face heretofore unknown problems. Judging from previews, the show looks promising in treating male middle age with a realistic yet dry tone. If it lives up to expectations remains to be seen.
Men of a Certain Age premieres December 7 at 10 pm. Watch a preview at http://www.tnt.tv/series/menofacertainage/
Sure, guys love watching TV. But it doesn't always have to be the Sunday game. There are some pretty awesome drama and comedy series out there that might have a special appeal to bearers of the Y chromosome. Here are three of them. Bonus: one dishonorable mention and one future hope.
24 (FOX)
There has never been a more testosterone-filled, bad-ass, all around guy's show than the real-time chronicles of counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer. Each season, we follow him through 24 action-packed hours of saving the world. He is the ultimate hero - fearless, indestructible, yet willing to take unorthodox measures to save America. And no-one, not even the Geneva Convention or the US president, will stand in his way.
Jack has survived nuclear explosions, biological WMDs, being held captive in a Chinese prison for years, and even death. (Yes, he once died for five minutes. Which didn't stop him from kicking major ass for the rest of the season.) He has battled Yugoslavian kidnappers, corrupt American office holders, and cliché Middle Eastern terrorists. He's the post-9/11 American superhero. Plus, 24 still delivers on simple suspenseful action like no other show.
24's eighth season will air on FOX starting January 17, 2010. Official website: http://www.fox.com/24/
Two and a Half Men (CBS)
The hit sitcom, currently in its 7th season, stars Charlie Sheen as a middle-aged womanizer who loves his booze a little too much. He leads a carefree existence in his California beach house (paid for by his job as a jingle writer) until his wimpy brother Alan and his son move in with him after having been kicked out by Alan's ex-wife.
Two and a Half Men has proved highly successful with audiences since it premiered in 2003. Its in-your-face sexual humor paired with over-the-top yet recognizable family situations is still refreshing. One of its strongest suits is the quirky minor characters, including Charlie's and Alan's cold-hearted mother and their stalker neighbor Rose. That Charlie embodies everything men secretly want to be doesn't hurt either.
Two and a Half Men airs Mondays at 9 pm. Watch episodes at http://www.cbs.com/primetime/two_and_a_half_men/
Modern Family (ABC)
At first glance, ABC's new critically acclaimed mockumentary-style sitcom isn't an obvious pick as a guys' show. It follows the everyday lives of a family, consisting of patriarch Jay, married to a woman half his age who is also a mother; his daughter Claire, her husband and three children; and her brother Mitchell who, together with his partner, has just adopted a baby.
There's not a clear male protagonist in Modern Family; and yet, if you look a little closer, it's the men who get the most interesting storylines and have the most intriguing personalities. Jay's experiences often deal with the question of men getting old in our society; his son struggles with balancing being gay, maintaining a successful relationship and being a new father. These issues are handled in a subtle and thoughtful yet understatedly hilarious way. Which makes for great TV for the whole family - whoever that may be.
New episodes air every Wednesday at 9 pm. Go to http://abc.go.com/shows/modernfamily for more information.
Dishonorable Mention: Secret Girlfriend (Comedy Central)
This show's TV ad features a guy jumping on a club's dance floor and shouting at the women around him: "Who wants to receive a child support check from me one day? Huh?" One of the show's most recent plots was described thusly on its website: "When Phil's sister was 15, she told Sam she was too young for him, but now that she's 18, she's his for banging." Need we say more?
Secret Girlfriend airs Wednesdays at 10:30 pm. Also watch at http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/secret_girlfriend/index.jhtml, if you must.
Future Hope: Men of a Certain Age (TNT)
Ray Romano returns to television with Men of a Certain Age which he also co-created. It will also star Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher as friends who enter the eponymous "certain age" and face heretofore unknown problems. Judging from previews, the show looks promising in treating male middle age with a realistic yet dry tone. If it lives up to expectations remains to be seen.
Men of a Certain Age premieres December 7 at 10 pm. Watch a preview at http://www.tnt.tv/series/menofacertainage/
Excelsior: Three TV Shows With Girl Power
Original Article
Remember the good old days of Ally McBeal? When you and your girlfriends would gather in front of the TV, pop open a huge container of chocolate Haagen Dazs, and cheer on a female heroine throughout all her successes and failures.
Well, those days are gone. But today, we have a new generation of girl dramas - with a twist.
1. Drop Dead Diva (Lifetime)
23-year-old Deb has everything in life going for her: a promising career as a model, a cute and successful boyfriend who's crazy about her, smashing good looks. Until the day that she dies in a head-on crash with a truck full of oranges. Instead of going straight to heaven, there's a bit of a mix-up at the pearly gates - and Deb ends up in the body of lawyer Jane. She gets a second chance at life - but has to come to terms with being an overweight, at times socially awkward brainiac. Only her best friend, air headed model Stacy, and her guardian angel Fred know the truth about her.
It seems sad that this must even be mentioned, but it feels great to see a beautiful, plus-size, smart woman as the protagonist of a TV show. Brooke Elliot owns the role; with impeccable comic timing she portrays the shallow model trapped in a new, and very different, body.
Through a turn of fate, Jane works with Deb's - her - former boyfriend, a situation that makes for great dramatic tension. Will he recognize her? Will he fall in love with her again, even though her appearance has totally changed?
"Drop Dead Diva" does a great job at mixing comic and dramatic tones, while almost effortlessly addressing current socio-cultural issues like our obsession with being skinny.
Season 2 of "Drop Dead Diva" will air in summer 2010.
2. Being Erica (CBC/Soapnet)
Erica is 32, still looking for Mr. Right and her dream job. She's anything but satisfied with her life; this isn't how she imagined it would turn out for her. Thinking back, there are a million things she would have done differently. And then, in the middle of running off from a family lunch where everyone outright pitied her, she suddenly gets a chance to do exactly that. Dr. Tom, a somewhat unorthodox therapist, sends her back in time to the points of her biggest regrets. Erica gets to do things over, and, in the process, learns that single events of the past are not always to blame for the present.
In a world where being successful is a big part of people's self-worth, the Canadian show "Being Erica" is a breath of fresh air. The heroine is pursuing her dreams while still struggling with defining them. Slowly, she realizes that this struggle is a part of life.
At the same time, there's the appeal of time-traveling. Who hasn't wished they could do a specific day in their lives over? And, apart from the philosophical implications, it's just plain fun to see the characters dressed up in ridiculous 90ies clothes.
Season 2 is currently airing on CBC, and will premiere on Soapnet January 20, 2010.
3. Dead Like Me (Now out on DVD)
Yes, "Dead Like Me" is old news. It premiered in 2003 and was axed a year later after two seasons. This year, the complete series was finally released on DVD, as well as a movie based on the show. Reason enough to remind everyone of this gem in TV history.
Ellen Muth plays Georgia "George" Lass, a young college drop-out without any apparent ambition in life. That changes when she's smashed to death by a toilet seat from the MIR space station. She becomes a grim reaper, and, for the first time, has to deal with real responsibility.
Muth's deadpan performance and the dark humor with which the subject of death is treated are what make the show. The group of grim reapers meet at a German waffle house to get their assignments and have to hold day jobs as meter maids and secretaries. At the same time, they are responsible to "collect" their clients' souls at the exact right moment, without knowing anything but the time and place of death. "Dead Like Me" raises some big questions, but mostly it's just great television entertainment.
"Dead Like Me - The Complete Series" and the movie "Dead Like Me - Life After Death" are available on www.amazon.com.
Remember the good old days of Ally McBeal? When you and your girlfriends would gather in front of the TV, pop open a huge container of chocolate Haagen Dazs, and cheer on a female heroine throughout all her successes and failures.
Well, those days are gone. But today, we have a new generation of girl dramas - with a twist.
1. Drop Dead Diva (Lifetime)
23-year-old Deb has everything in life going for her: a promising career as a model, a cute and successful boyfriend who's crazy about her, smashing good looks. Until the day that she dies in a head-on crash with a truck full of oranges. Instead of going straight to heaven, there's a bit of a mix-up at the pearly gates - and Deb ends up in the body of lawyer Jane. She gets a second chance at life - but has to come to terms with being an overweight, at times socially awkward brainiac. Only her best friend, air headed model Stacy, and her guardian angel Fred know the truth about her.
It seems sad that this must even be mentioned, but it feels great to see a beautiful, plus-size, smart woman as the protagonist of a TV show. Brooke Elliot owns the role; with impeccable comic timing she portrays the shallow model trapped in a new, and very different, body.
Through a turn of fate, Jane works with Deb's - her - former boyfriend, a situation that makes for great dramatic tension. Will he recognize her? Will he fall in love with her again, even though her appearance has totally changed?
"Drop Dead Diva" does a great job at mixing comic and dramatic tones, while almost effortlessly addressing current socio-cultural issues like our obsession with being skinny.
Season 2 of "Drop Dead Diva" will air in summer 2010.
2. Being Erica (CBC/Soapnet)
Erica is 32, still looking for Mr. Right and her dream job. She's anything but satisfied with her life; this isn't how she imagined it would turn out for her. Thinking back, there are a million things she would have done differently. And then, in the middle of running off from a family lunch where everyone outright pitied her, she suddenly gets a chance to do exactly that. Dr. Tom, a somewhat unorthodox therapist, sends her back in time to the points of her biggest regrets. Erica gets to do things over, and, in the process, learns that single events of the past are not always to blame for the present.
In a world where being successful is a big part of people's self-worth, the Canadian show "Being Erica" is a breath of fresh air. The heroine is pursuing her dreams while still struggling with defining them. Slowly, she realizes that this struggle is a part of life.
At the same time, there's the appeal of time-traveling. Who hasn't wished they could do a specific day in their lives over? And, apart from the philosophical implications, it's just plain fun to see the characters dressed up in ridiculous 90ies clothes.
Season 2 is currently airing on CBC, and will premiere on Soapnet January 20, 2010.
3. Dead Like Me (Now out on DVD)
Yes, "Dead Like Me" is old news. It premiered in 2003 and was axed a year later after two seasons. This year, the complete series was finally released on DVD, as well as a movie based on the show. Reason enough to remind everyone of this gem in TV history.
Ellen Muth plays Georgia "George" Lass, a young college drop-out without any apparent ambition in life. That changes when she's smashed to death by a toilet seat from the MIR space station. She becomes a grim reaper, and, for the first time, has to deal with real responsibility.
Muth's deadpan performance and the dark humor with which the subject of death is treated are what make the show. The group of grim reapers meet at a German waffle house to get their assignments and have to hold day jobs as meter maids and secretaries. At the same time, they are responsible to "collect" their clients' souls at the exact right moment, without knowing anything but the time and place of death. "Dead Like Me" raises some big questions, but mostly it's just great television entertainment.
"Dead Like Me - The Complete Series" and the movie "Dead Like Me - Life After Death" are available on www.amazon.com.
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